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NBB: Keep Your Eyes on Biodiesel Industry
Minnesota Ag Connection - 01/27/2020

Last week more than 700 biodiesel producers, distributors, retailers, and other industry advocates from across the nation gathered in Tampa, Fla., to set their sights on a future for biodiesel that is cleaner, better, and here now! During the conference, the National Biodiesel Board celebrated the many achievements of 2019 and shared their new ambitious "Vision" for the industry.

To keep eyes on biodiesel, NBB put together an enticing schedule with engaging, thought provoking speakers to offer vital information on the latest in the industry. Throughout the conference each speaker shared their "Vision" for biodiesel, renewable diesel, and Bioheat.

"I am extremely bullish on the future of biodiesel and renewable diesel," said NBB CEO Donnell Rehagen. "But I don't want to suggest it will be a cake walk. We will face significant challenges to reach these goals moving forward. We know that and accept the challenge."

This eager and exited tone continued throughout the conference during crowd pleasing mainstage and breakout sessions. A focus for many biodiesel leaders was federal and state policy, with an emphasis on the extension of the biodiesel tax credit.

"The extension happened because our industry and membership worked harder, smarter, and more strategically than others. Over the past two years, with the help of our biodiesel champions, we've developed a recipe for success in Washington," said NBB Vice President of Federal Affairs Kurt Kovarik. "It's important that we keep the ingredients in place and maintain our capabilities. There are still many challenges to face. And continued success will depend on your continued engagement, vision, and hard work."

A common theme during the event was that the federal policy fight isn't over. As a collective, the industry has their sights set on a stronger, reliable Renewable Fuel Standard for 2020 and years to come.

"We have been struggling with the EPA over the last couple years as they have aggressively issued excessive levels of exemptions that have harmed the industry. Inappropriate administration of SRE's is a backdoor to undermine the intention of the renewable fuel standard," said NBB Governing Board Chairman Chad Stone. "We can't let the EPA get away with this. We have to unite to defend our industry, to defend the law -- and we are."

Conference goers also heard from Bioheat heavy hitters on where their sights are set for 2020. Today, the oilheat industry has grown to be a 7-billion-gallon industry.

"It hasn't been easy -- we've been through years of studies and testing, years of developing and getting an ASTM standard approved, and faced opposition from some of the equipment manufacturers," said NBB Supply Chain Advisor Paul Nazzaro. "We've gone on countless road shows over the last decade trying to convince oilheat leaders, dealers, and consumers to accept Bioheat.

"I'm happy to say we're finally on the verge of a massive shift in this industry, in favor of Bioheat."

The National Biodiesel Board closed out the conference with their view on where the growing industry is headed. During the final session, attendees joined subject matter experts from the trade association in a dynamic conversation about America's Advanced Biofuel and what they can expect to see in 2020.

"We have a team of experts working on your behalf every single day to complete important, member prioritized work," said NBB COO Doug Whitehead. "With each of these biodiesel professionals I am certain our trade association can help the industry meet our lofty goals and bolster growth for America's Advanced Biofuel."

The 2021 National Biodiesel Conference & Expo is scheduled for January in Fort Worth, Texas.

The National Biodiesel Board hosts this annual must - attend event to facilitate business, education, and networking. The National Biodiesel Conference & Expo is put on with the generous support of industry sponsors. Made from an increasingly diverse mix of resources such as recycled cooking oil, soybean oil and animal fats, biodiesel is a renewable, clean-burning diesel replacement that can be used in existing diesel engines without modification. It is the nation's first domestically produced, commercially available advanced biofuel. NBB is the U.S. trade association representing the entire biodiesel and renewable diesel value chain, including producers, feedstock suppliers, and fuel distributors.


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